Home Use McCulloch

[Jake_MN]

Hello all,

great site you have here. I've been cruising it for a couple of weeks now and the wealth of information is amazing.

Anyhow, I have a question I hope you can help me with. I'm in the market for a used saw. I do a lot of restoring of snowblowers, lawnmowers, tillers, etc. and am very comfortable working on old equipment.

In my area (MN) there seems to be an abundance of old McCulloch saws available and from my research here they seem to have a good reputation. I'd be using the saw primarily on a wooded 4-acre property for maintenance work. I expect I'd probably need to remove 4-6 medium sized trees (oak and maple primarily) annually. Any large trees I'd be contracting a professional to handle.

Given my useage and willingness to work on an old saw, what models would people recommend I look for? Like I said there is a large variety of McCollough saws available, and I'm willing to wait to buy something that will both last and do a proper job.

Thanks in advance for your help, and if I'm leaving out any important information please let me know.

Jake

 

[Saw Dr.]

If you want a GREAT all around yellow saw, 10-10 automatic is going to be about the best bet. If you can find a Pro Mac 700, 6-10 or 7-10, even better.

The later 610 series is very robust, and will last a long time also. The 605/610/650's also have anti-vibration handlebars on them which helps if you're cutting alot in one day.

 

[stipes]

mcc 10-10 would do good...

I loved the Pro Mcc 55 my Dad had,,with the decomp. button on it...If you can find one of them in good shape I think you'll be happy with the size of trees your falling...

 

[stipes]

I never used the 610 series...

If you want a GREAT all around yellow saw, 10-10 automatic is going to be about the best bet. If you can find a Pro Mac 700, 6-10 or 7-10, even better.

The later 610 series is very robust, and will last a long time also. The 605/610/650's also have anti-vibration handlebars on them which helps if you're cutting alot in one day.

Yes,,thats gotta be a plus with the anti vib!!

 

[Jake_MN]

Thanks fellas. That gives me a little shopping list to work with. I'll post back when I pull the trigger on one to let you know what I bought.

 

[Biker Dude]

I'll vote for the 610 because they are everywhere, parts availability is great, and they will run forever.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I'll vote for the 610 because they are everywhere, parts availability is great, and they will run forever.

This one?

The above 1978 Mac 610 is a pretty big saw. I use it for felling and bucking. I use this one for limbing (circa 1996):

Mac 3514

psssttt... I made the chain brake handle using hickory and cherry. I also made the scabbard.

 

[Busmech]

The 700-800 series saws are some of the best macs ever made. The 605, 610 and 650 are great saws and there are tons of them on ebay any time you need parts.

 

[Jake_MN]

Thanks fellas for the feedback.

What's the distinction between the various series (600, 700, etc.)? Is it engine size? Frame size?

 

[Saw Dr.]

Thanks fellas for the feedback.

What's the distinction between the various series (600, 700, etc.)? Is it engine size? Frame size?

Particularly with MAC's, there isn't alot of sense to it. You had better sit down.

If a 1-10 is 54 cc's, you would assume that a 2-10 or 3-10 would be more. They are not. 4-10, 5-10, 6-10, and 7-10 are 70cc's in the same body as the 1-10. So you would assume that a 10-10 is even bigger, but almost all of them are back to 54cc's !?!?! Then there are the PRO MAC 55, 555, and 700 models wich are basically the same as the -10 series, but with different names. Then the PM 700 became the PM 4300.........

You'll have to look up the saw in question when you find one, or ask here. I will wear the keyboard out otherwise.

 

[gmax]

I prefer to 1-10 series but the 610 does have it uses,

 

[heimannm]

I think Gmax has found a perfect use for the 600 Series saw. They are fat, loud, slow, and never stop (sound like anyone you know?). I have one 610 but expect to give it to my older son one of these days. Should be just right for him.

I agree that any 10 Series saw would be great, my all time favorite (right now anyway) is the 7-10 but they are not so common as the 10-10 saws.

I am a bit old school and like the older saws without the added weight of the fancy covers and chain brake, etc. I prefer the 7-10 to say a PM700 all things considered.

No doubt you will be able to find a suitable saw, and parts for the 10 Series (except for the McCulloch flat back carburetors) are readily available. If you find an older 1-10 or 2-10 check the carburetor before you buy, or be willing to convert it to the Walbro SDC or Tillotson HS.

Mark

 

[gmax]

Mark, I picked up a Mac 2-10 Automatic recently, I would much rather use it than the 610, I just have to remember to wear ear muffs

 

[Biker Dude]

This one?

Actually, I prefer this one! :biggrinbounce2:

That is just WRONG!

Thanks for the new desktop background pic Gmax!

 

[heimannm]

Agreed,

Looks like your 2-10 has the SDC carburetor, the 2-10 Modified Mark gave me has the McCulloch flat back (bullfrog) style. I was able to get parts and with a bit of tinkering make it go pretty well. Really a fun saw to run.

I did get my 3-10e in running condition, I wouldn't use it as much as the 2-10 just because of the weight difference, and for fear of breaking something that might be hard to replace. My 5-10 and 6-10 have both seen a good bit of use and don't seem to have as much snort as the 2-10, none come close to the 7-10 however.

I know Bike Dude likes the 600 Series saws and mine may not be a good example, but I much prefer one of the 10 Series saws for working around a tree.

Of course when the conditions dictate, nothing like bringing out the 1-85, 840, or SP125, I'm just not man enough anymore to swing them around much of the day.

Sad to say though, if I really had to cut a lot of wood in a hurry and just wanted to get the job done, I would have to resort to the 036 Stihl for the smaller stuff, 066 for anything over 16".

Mark

 

[gmax]

Sorry Biker Dude, but look at it this way, the Mac 610 is so tough it will cut down the tree and mulch the stump. :chainsawguy:

Mark, your right about the carb it's not the "Bullfrog" type, It's good you finally
have an electric start mac, (you have just about every other mac built) .
I'm still looking for a dead battery to repack for mine, they sure are a cool saw to have.

 

[Jake_MN]

Particularly with MAC's, there isn't alot of sense to it. You had better sit down.

If a 1-10 is 54 cc's, you would assume that a 2-10 or 3-10 would be more. They are not. 4-10, 5-10, 6-10, and 7-10 are 70cc's in the same body as the 1-10. So you would assume that a 10-10 is even bigger, but almost all of them are back to 54cc's !?!?! Then there are the PRO MAC 55, 555, and 700 models wich are basically the same as the -10 series, but with different names. Then the PM 700 became the PM 4300.........

You'll have to look up the saw in question when you find one, or ask here. I will wear the keyboard out otherwise.

Thanks for the info. As far as looking up specs, is there a good place to do so?

No doubt you will be able to find a suitable saw, and parts for the 10 Series (except for the McCulloch flat back carburetors) are readily available. If you find an older 1-10 or 2-10 check the carburetor before you buy, or be willing to convert it to the Walbro SDC or Tillotson HS.

Good to know. There is a 2-10 available locally that seems to be in good overall condition for $40, but is having carb issues. If I take a look at it I'll be sure to check the make on the carb.

Thanks again to everyone for the input. It's been very helpful.

 

[gmax]

For looking up specs "Chain Saw Collectors Corner" is the place to go,

http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf?OpenDatabase

 

[Jake_MN]

For looking up specs "Chain Saw Collectors Corner" is the place to go,

http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf?OpenDatabase

Holy smokes! That is impressive! Many thanks.

 

[Saw Dr.]

Thanks for the info. As far as looking up specs, is there a good place to do so?



Good to know. There is a 2-10 available locally that seems to be in good overall condition for $40, but is having carb issues. If I take a look at it I'll be sure to check the make on the carb.

Thanks again to everyone for the input. It's been very helpful.

If the mouth (where the air goes in) of the carb is at the rear of the saw, it is a MAC carb. If it is at the top, it is not a MAC carb, even if it is stamped MAC on it. I think all of the 2-10's came with MAC, but I am pretty good at being wrong. I am married after all..... Either way, someone on here can probably help get you sorted out.